Springfield Museums--Hoover's FBI gun, Indian Motorcycles, Cars, Smith and Wesson Guns, etc.

Easthampton, MA
Northampton/Springfield KOA

While yesterday's visit to the Springfield National Armory was disappointing, the next stop wasn't.

Within walking distance of the Armory is Springfield's Quadrangle.  Housed in this block is the Springfield Science Museum, Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum that will be open soon.  

For $12.00 you can see all of these and also park for free.  Now bear in mind, we've already toured the Armory, I was planning to do these the following day, but Bill said it was early and they were nearby.  

I thought the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield sounded like there were exhibits that both of us would enjoy. 

I believe Barbara and Tom Westerfield just visited it and from her photos, I knew we'd enjoy it just as much.  

These weren't just your run of the mill old vehicles.  

The vehicles all had a history of why they were important to the people of Springfield.

I can't seem to remember all the dates and names of these gorgeous autos.

One of these is a 1928 Springfield made Phantom I.

I do remember this was a Rolls Royce which Springfield was famous for.

1925 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost

Mary Ida Young, the Springfield creator of Absorbine Jr, was given this 1928 Pierce Arrow by her son.  It has 2763 miles on the odometer.

Springfield was also the home of the Peerless company.  Maybe it's a good thing if you haven't worn what Peerless made.  Peerless is famous as a handcuff maker.

To all my firemen friends here's a Knox firetruck.

Indian motorcycles were made in Springfield and at one time the police department had many of them.  This bullet proof shield has a hole in it to put the barrel of your firearm into.  

This experimental Roadster was made by Indian.

Here's some early model Indians.

Of course we know Bill is going to love this exhibit.

These Smith and Wesson handguns were engraved by Tiffany & Co. of New York.  Some of them have gold on them.  What a work of art.  

 In the event any of you didn't know this, there was a Bill Mains who was a famous master engraver, but not my Bill.  Of course he would love to have this talent. There's no way you can have engraving done for $10 as the poster advertises.  

Smith and Wesson went through some tough times during the depression so started making something every one could use--a flusher for a toilet.

Ivory grips, inlaid gold wire and master engraved--priceless. 

Tiffany & Co. of New York decorated this 1893 revolver with solid silver overlay engraving.

What are the chances that Bill would walk into a city museum and see J. Edgar Hoover's gun on display?  Notice the bureau symbol on the gun.  Kind of gives you chills doesn't it?

These Smith and Wesson's belonged to John F. Kennedy, Teddy Roosevelt and FDR.

Not to be outdone by famous political people, TV and movie stars, Lee Marvin, Clint Walker and George Montgomery had their firearms displayed.  

Even a famous opera singer was a  recipient of Wesson's engraved revolver.  

We saw a bicycle display in Vermont, but I think this one was better represented.

If you ever admired the Indian motorcycles, this museum is for you.  

This 1941 Eliason Motor Toboggan was powered by an Indian Scout motor.  It was used by the power company to reach service areas during the winter.  

The Indian's were used during the war.

In case you didn't realize it, I really liked the Indian display.

There were GeeBee Zeta aircraft displayed.

There was an exhibit on the Civil War, Lincoln, and the Underground Railroad which also had John Brown's desk.  

I also learned that Friendly ice cream stores began in Springfield.  

This museum was quite a find.  We walked over to check out the sculpture garden. 

Dr. Seuss sculptures were so well done.

I wish it wasn't getting so late, and I had more energy as I would have loved to check out the science museum Scoop on Poop exhibit.

Now that sounds like an interesting exhibit.

I'm sure the art museum's would have been wonderful as exemplified by this work of art outdoors. 

While the Armory wasn't what we expected, Springfield's Museums turned out to be so much more.

We stopped in the Blake House Cafe which was a historic house for a bite to eat.  It was great except there was so much we took half our meal home.  

Turtle Safely........